"THE" L89 Nova on Dream Car Garage

[JRSully]

Saw the episode last night on Dream Car Garage that featured the infamous 70 L89 Nova. I take it the owner consigned it to Legendary to sell. I love how Klutt states how people are crazy to spend $100k on a resto of a "regular" Nova, but he guesses that this one warrants it.? That guy would restore a Lawn Boy if the price was right. THEY ACTUALLY SHOWED some of the infamous doc's as well.!

[bashton]

This car will be a part of the sYc Supercars Showcase at the Chevy Vettefest this coming weekend. The owner will be showing this car, so I once again extend the invite and give you yet another reason to come to the show! www.chevyvettefest.net (http://www.chevyvettefest.net)

BA

[WILMASBOYL78]

So...does that mean the current owner is a member here on the site??...if so,I didn't know that. Looking forward to photos and info fromm the show...good luck.

wilma http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Charley Lillard]

infamous docs ?

[Donutblue]

The only doc's I recall him referring to were the Proto plate

[JRSully]

Infamous as in they supposedly existed, but nobody had seen them. They have now obviously been "outed" and the car is real

[bad1racing]

My wife and I sat with the owner and the guy from Legendary Motorcars that was restoring the car at the SCR10 banquet/dinner.Both of them were very nice to talk to.They said that the car was going back to the shop to fix some little stuff that needed attention.I thought the car was really nice at the show.It's worth the price of admission to Vettefest to see this car.
Kendall http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[1968 nova ss]

Hey tom,I wondering if Wayne bushey of National nostalgic nova knows of the particular L-89 car?.chris teed

[musclecarjohn]

Dream Car Garage is still on TV...?Where...? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[CanadianPoncho]

If you are ever near Milton, Ontario, it's well worth the time to stop into Legendary. After about an hour you get complacent to the amount of rare cars there. "Ho hum-a Hemi here, a Yenko there.."
Todd

[GMC_Typhoon]

Apparently there were 6 made (http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=472228) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k91/badv6blazer/L89a.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k91/badv6blazer/L89.jpg

1970 Chevrolet Nova SS 396 L89
1970 CHEVROLET NOVA SS 396 L89. 1of 6 produced by General Motors. There is one other known car that has survived. This SS L89 Nova is a numbers matching car backed by its warranty protecto plate book, original owners manual, brochures, and literature. Body off restored to its original chalk markings. Equipped with its 396/375 hp L-89 packaged motor with a Muncie M-21 4 speed, 12 bolt rear end with a 4:10 rear end gear ratio. Cortez Silver, Black interior, bench seat, radio delete, black vinyl top, expressed clearly on the trim tag. The car is tailored with its vintage correct optional 14" SS wheels, with polyglass Goodyear tires. Maintains its rear original quarters clearly visible coded correct. Valuable piece direct from GM and in my opinion as or more valuable than any Yenko out there.

[mockingbird812]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif Hmmmm.... "Valuable piece direct from GM and in my opinion as or more valuable than any Yenko out there." O.K. sure, then why not price it at, say, $350K. And pls educate me, does the "warranty POP" have the engine and drivetrain codes on it?

[firstgenaddict]

Saw the Dupont registry did 70 Nova L78's use the Dual snorkle air cleaner like the 70 Camaro L78's?

[JRSully]

Late 70 L78 Novas used the dual snorkle, although most of the time they were chucked

[firstgenaddict]

everyone chunked those wild looking things... that's what makes them so valuable!

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif Hmmmm.... And pls educate me, does the "warranty POP" have the engine and drivetrain codes on it?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can only speak for my 65, yes, it has engine, trans and rear, dates/code/ratio. Also imprinted is the interior trim code, paint and options. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

PoP info for 69 the same (http://www.chevellestuff.com/1969/pop_decode.htm)

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Love the happy marks on that silver nova! Might want to chuck that '71+ washer bottle, throw in a SS grill or paint the bars - headlight frames too.... oh well, would love to see the POP! It would have the all important engine code and I guess an unknown code for that 4.10 geared rear in a '70?? Might be a Deuce code, would be neat to see.

[DarrenX33]

[ QUOTE ]
everyone chunked those wild looking things... that's what makes them so valuable!

[/ QUOTE ]

Tell me about it.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[69 Post Sedan]

Peter Klutt said the 1970 Nova they had was 1 of 1. According to the show, Chevrolet did not offer the L89 in the Nova in 1970. Looks like they are wrong on that.

musclecarjohn, The show is on Speed Channel at 7:00 am Central time on Sunday's.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I think most, if not all, of the diehard Nova fans believe that GM made a few L89 Novas - we've just been waiting to see a documented example. With this black car, it looks legit, and we'd like to see the doc's - if for no other reason, than to just see what they look like! We'd like to see if the Nova shared the engine suffix with the Camaro, we'd like to see a window sticker or an order form, a block stamping, a 4.10 geared '70 Nova.... Lots to see!!!

[P.J.]

I cant understand why someone who has this Nova would not share the documents with the whole world.I know if it was mine I sure would. I would be proud of it not hide it.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gifPJ

[shor]

I have heard that the car is the real deal. I would love to own it, but it needs a full restoration.

[Shankin]

Is it just me or do those pics look like a model car?lol

[92646]

No most model cars would have better fitting doors, hood and fenders. Is it just me or does it look like this car has a comfort grip steering wheel and tilt?
Mark Sheppard

[1969l78]

The fit and finish is not the greatest http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Mr. Chevy]

[ QUOTE ]
Love the happy marks on that silver nova! Might want to chuck that '71+ washer bottle, throw in a SS grill or paint the bars - headlight frames too....

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

What is the happy x with the circle around it on the heater box?? I think it is a "cookie cutter" inspection mark that everyone has to have!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

Marlin, I think we are dealing with a bunch of http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif here.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

I agree with you, I think there may have been a very select few L89 cars made but I too would love to see some sort of documentation or proof...

Rich

[SSjeff427]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif Hmmmm.... And pls educate me, does the "warranty POP" have the engine and drivetrain codes on it?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can only speak for my 65, yes, it has engine, trans and rear, dates/code/ratio. Also imprinted is the interior trim code, paint and options. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

PoP info for 69 the same (http://www.chevellestuff.com/1969/pop_decode.htm)

[/ QUOTE ]

My 70 camaro protect-o-plate also Engine, trans and rear end codes.

The Protec-o-plate on my 69 GTO did as well.

[Schonyenko2]

Novas, are all over the map on fit, and original finish. Some fit great, some don't. And if you get into NOS fenders, some are just awful.
I've seen the blk nova. And while I've always believed that there were some 68 maybes, but most likely 69 L89s, the 70 surprised me. I think it's real, but even more than the paperwork which at some point will have to be shown to a potential buyer,I'd want to personally talk to either the original owner, or someone who had personal knowledge of this car from new. I truly realize how difficult it is to find this kind of information, but there needs to be no doubt that it's real to warrant the asking price, and possible litigation down the road.(Think red Yenko nova found to be non converted).
As to this silver one, there's a lot of red flags as Marlin said. Even if you accept the heads, the rear is an issue, and the white letterd tires. The blk one is easier to believe as there's no reach on the rear with a 3.55 being the lowest available. And I don't care how much you complained to the dealer, you got a set of Marlin white walls.
I got a story just the other day on a 69 sold new from Ericksons in Milan Il. that came with the heads in the trunk. The heads were put on at the dealership when the car got there. The guys still alive, and I'm gonna try to track him down. I still can't understand the in the trunk deal. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Schoneye is right, (as we've beat this topic to death over the years!), the fact that this car is a '70 vs. a '69 was a big surprise. We felt that the probability would be a '69, then a '68 and lastly a '70 - but this '70 popped up first!

The resto is so-so, but how can you beat an all black Nova? Great color!

[Jeff H]

In 70 they shared the engine suffix codes across the various lines of cars so it wouldn't be surprising to see an L89 coded motor in any of the cars. But like mentioned, documentation needs to be strong and any possible contact with original owners to help back it up. Never say never with GM! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Heck, according to some Chevy paperwork, you could get the LS6 in the Camaro!

[chevelleheart]

Hopefully some of you guys can get pics of the documentation and post them on the site, They'd be great to see !!

[69hurstSC]

[ QUOTE ]
Never say never with GM!

[/ QUOTE ]

i think that statement can be assessed to any of the manufacturers.

[PeteLeathersac]

The comments and thoughts to follow are strictly personal opinions and not based on any known facts regarding the cars mentioned in this thread or any thread and to be clear have absolutely nothing to do w/ GM, it's dealers, suppliers and associates, this site or any site's owners, moderators, users or members including those resembling any of these mentioned...living, dead or otherwise..

Unless proven beyond a doubt something is not so, please always consider the cars in this thread are exactly what they are reputed and stated to be!.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

A factory L89 Nova as we're all hoping can be proven was built and/or exists is a car that left the plant w/ L89 equipment installed and operational including original factory applied L89 suffix and specific vehicle Vin stampings..
Not to be confused w/ cars delivered to the dealer w/ factory supplied L89 equipment in the car but not installed (even if it was possible) or dealer L89 equipped cars delivered w/ L89 equipment installed or supplied loose whether an original GM or Dealer window sticker includes the L89 option or not (even though we'd like to see one of these too!)..

GM's statements written or verbal, past or present have nothing to do w/ the possibility of cars actually being built w/ or w/o specific equipment installed...as proven in the past w/ '68 Z28 ragtops, ZL1 'Vettes etc, etc..

Like others have mentioned, if either of these two cars are truly genuine, why not simply and proudly lay the facts out...especially before the resto?.

On the black car resto'd by the Legendary brothers, genuine or not could the clandestine way things seem to have progressed perhaps have anything to do w/ who the owner is...thinking real car that some would be suspect of just because who happened to own it?.

A worse thought is could it be at all possible the Dupont car be a red herring to in some way legitimize the black car...or just simple innocence of the timing the Dupont car appeared available for sale?.

For more reading enjoyment on this topic;

The car at Legendary:
http://www.legendarymotorcar.com/work_in_progress/in_progress/l89_nova.htm

Last years's L89 Nova thread here:
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat...0&fpart=all (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB1&Number=268362&page=0 &fpart=all)

I truly hope one or both of the Novas mentioned in this thread truly are and always have been genuine factory built L89 cars and not just enough old information and documents supplied to now deem them so, even though this may not be possible?.

Again all strictly personal opinions and thoughts here..
I've tried my best to lay this out as so, so no flaming please!.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
~ Pete
I really do want to be an L89 Nova believer...forever!.

[SuperNovaSS]

If the owner's laid the facts out for all to see then others would know what the docs look like. Then other cars may "appear". I can understand where they are coming from. Why prove to non-buyers that the car is real. If they want to see the docs they can see them in person with cash in fist I would think.


Jason

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I don't believe that showing the paperwork for an L89 Nova will create dumpload of fake L89 Novas, as it's only an option difference that won't look any different than the option on a Camaro's paperwork - save for the option code suffix letters that nobody seems to have a handle on anyway.

However, some people just don't like to show this kind of stuff, some people still cover up their vin at car shows, etc.. I don't get it, but hey, everyone is different. Like someone on the Nova site stated, the only person who the owner has to show the paperwork to is the guy writing the check!

[69 Post Sedan]

I was there on Saturday morning and the L89 Nova was being judged. Does anyone know the outcome?

[ORIGLS6]

No disrespect to the VF judging but even a Gold Spinner does little to verify the authenticity of a car like this.

Nice car and the owner is easy to talk with, but I agree with Marlin. If the owner doesn't want to share the paperwork it's his choice, and I support him. Now,.......... if I'm a buyer.............. different story.

[Rixls6]

I talked with the owner on Friday while he was waxing the car. He said that the heads are "074", and dated correct for the car and engine's build date. I'm confused on that. Wouldn't they have to be "842" in order to make the 11.25 to 1 compression ratio???
I meant to go back and ask him more about it, but got busy and never talked to him about it again.

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
I talked with the owner on Friday while he was waxing the car. He said that the heads are "074", and dated correct for the car and engine's build date. I'm confused on that. Wouldn't they have to be "842" in order to make the 11.25 to 1 compression ratio???
I meant to go back and ask him more about it, but got busy and never talked to him about it again.

[/ QUOTE ]

I was confused about the same Issue......I don't believe that GM had a Piston combination for the 396 with Open Chamber Heads...........Hummmmmmm!!!!!! 842's would be correct.......But someone here that is "Smarter" than me could "Chime" in with additional info......074's make you wonder........

Ken

[WILMASBOYL78]

Ken, since you already have a "real" L89 Nova, it doesn't make sense to question your analysis http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


wilma http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Interesting..

Fair enough on any vehicle owner's right to keep whatever info obscured they choose..

Is it Ok to ask or can someone please post if the suffix of the discussed Nova is CKT or CKU...or other?.

Are 842's what's substantiated as shipped or original to known existing '70 L89 A-bodys?.

Are the quantity of engines produced by Tonawanda for suffixes CKT & CKU known...and the M40 ones too?.

Is the '70 A-body L89 production of 16 units broken down by trans/suffix types?.

Lastly, suffixes found on known lists indicating L89 equipment on anything other than an L78 are generally eccepted as never produced?.

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif

[Mr70]

I can't speak for this particular Nova,but Tonawanda records show 18 CKT M/T blocks casted & 10 CKP A/T blocks casted,all designated for 1970 Chevelle A-body useage only.
Only 18 1970 L-89 Chevelles were assembled,so 10 of those blocks were saved for service replacements.
Orders for all these blocks were placed very early on by Chevrolet and soon cancelled within the first few months of 1970 production due to the cancellation of the L-78 equipped Chevelle.
Of the few remaining 1970 L-89 Chevelles I've found,all wore 842 heads as they were 11-1 friendly.
074 heads were 12-1 specific for the 1969 ZL-1 Camaro/Corvette & 1969 L-88 Corvette/1971 LS-6 Corvette.
If this Nova is holding 074's,I'd be curious as to what casting dates are on them as well as what pistons are sliding inside of it.

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
Ken, since you already have a "real" L89 Nova, it doesn't make sense to question your analysis http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


wilma http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


LOL..........No Comment.........(It get's "Real-errr" everyday).........
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[ORIGLS6]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Stefano]

I'm not trying to be a smart a$$. I was told that the car has a "real" protecto plate and that Brian Henderson inspected the car/engine prior to restoration and that he has verified the car as authentic.

While I would enjoy the luxury of having more info. If Brain is authenticating the car as the real deal, that would go a long way with me.

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
If Brain is authenticating the car as the real deal, that would go a long way with me.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would agree with that 100%, although that's not exactly what I've heard. Only that Brian found enough evidence that he couldn't say 'definitely' that the car was NOT real. Not exactly a full endorsement as I understand it.

I'm not trying to draw Brian out and I don't intend to put words in someone's mouth. If I'm incorrect, I apologize and will stand corrected.

[kwhizz]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif??????????



Ken

[427king]

These conversations about trying to verify non buildsheet[i dont know if the l89 nova has one or not] cars always remind me of the time i sold an unstamped BB block to a guy who demanded it could be used at std bore or he didnt want it. I never really understood why a 030 bore was a big deal. Years later I read about the car in a magazine that was touted as a "never apart" super low mile bb car with every verification,every expert inspection said it was a special car,and all the fluff. Lets face it, there are NO individuals out there that can tell a factory stamped motor from a 10 year ago restamp of a never stamped block provided it was done correctly , they can only give thier opinion that what they see is consistant with other real cars theyve seen...Thats why real buildsheets are a must. This very special bb car mentioned above is living proof with its "original" motor being a former boat motor i pulled out of a marina in the early 90s. Not only was the undecked pad used to create the "original" "verified" pad stamp, but its bore was very instrumental in creating its ridiculously low mile "certified" "verified" claim as well.

[1968 nova ss]

I will see if I can make it with my restored matching# 68/396/350 hp nova ss.1of 234 produced and 1 0f 48 turbo 400 cars,Grotto blue outside ,blue insides with dog -dish hubcaps.hope to see yall there.Chris Teed

[1968 nova ss]

Sorry guys ,wrong discussion page;the coors lights must be kickin in.chris

[Rick Cell]

You cannot deposit here say in the bank and spend it. If this Nova is the real deal prove it with paper work or go to the back of the line. Enough is enough.

[mockingbird812]

Latest(June '08) HMM has story on this car. Got mine yesterday. Photo (partial) of the POP plate is shown. "CTK" can be seen.

[Mr70]

I think it's actually CKT.

[mockingbird812]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it's actually CKT.

[/ QUOTE ]

Rick's right. It is CKT.